First Time Owner...Some Questions For You Tractor Vets...

[SWMOMT240HE]

Well, we went off the "deep end" As you can see from the user name, we just picked up a MT240HE from our local dealer. Purchased it with a 5 ft Rhino rotary cutter (TW15) and 65" (Rhino SB65) box blade.

The rotary cutter is pretty straight forward in its use. However, the box blade is what has me curious. I have watched numerous YouTube videos on folks using this for different, but similar applications. My thought is a bit more outside the box, and I wonder if anyone here has used one for this.

We are looking to put firebreaks / fire lines in some native warm season grass fields. I know it is traditional to use a disk to put these in. However, I am thinking the box blade could used as an alternative since the goal is to expose bare soil. Has anyone ever done this? What are your thoughts?

Tractor gets delivered today, so I just "had" to spend last night reading owners manual

Any tips, tricks, and advice is more than welcome!

 

[kenmbz]

Can't answer on the box blade, but welcome to TBN. Lots of people here who have helped me so hope you get your answers.

 

[jeff9366]

We are looking to put firebreaks / fire lines in some native warm season grass fields. I know it is traditional to use a disk to put these in. However, I am thinking the box blade could used as an alternative since the goal is to expose bare soil. Has anyone ever done this? What are your thoughts?

I use a turning plow to create firebreaks, then, four weeks later, a disc harrow to smooth plow furrows and maintain them as mostly dirt.

The angle and length of Box Blade scarifiers are designed to stir road surfaces to the depth of potholes. Box Blade scarifiers make poor rippers but scarifiers are better than nothing. The rippers are on an angle, so EFFECTIVE LENGTH of rippers is about 4". Deep enough to stun grass but not kill it. Grass will regenerate after a good rain.

 

[SWMOMT240HE]

I use a turning plow to create firebreaks, then, four weeks later, a disc harrow to smooth and maintain them.

The angle and length of Box Blade scarifiers are designed to stir road surfaces to the depth of potholes. Box Blade scarifiers make poor rippers but scarifiers are better than nothing.

Thanks for the good info. I was hoping that I might be able to get an "additional" use out of the box blade scarifiers. I know that is not their intention, and it might make for some additional work, but thought there was the possibility of using it.

 

[jeff9366]

FOR YOU:

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media...aa214276e14dacb/pub2917tractorimplements1.pdf

 

[sodamo]

Congrats on the new tractor and enjoy.
No help here on your box blade. Just never got the hang of it for my use. That said I have it lent out to a friend who loves it. I’d use my tiller.

 

[fried1765]

Congrats on the new tractor and enjoy.
No help here on your box blade. Just never got the hang of it for my use. That said I have it lent out to a friend who loves it. I壇 use my tiller.

Yep....box blade!
Mine is brand new.
Been sitting on the barn floor for the 5 years since I bought it.
Worthless for driveway maintenance (no crowning/shaping ability), but probably OK for just dragging dirt from A to B.
EA - 6 Way Deluxe Scrape Blade is THE tool for driveways!

 

[herm0016]

i just picked up a used landpride SF2577 scarifier, with my JD 80 blade on the back of the scarifier, it's perfect for doing a driveway. cracks through the top layer easily and i can set the blade for a crown. come back around with my drag to smooth it out. My drag is 4 old window grates about 3x6 feet for weight and a hog wire panel. the whole thing cost my about 10 bucks. i think the scarifier like the land pride that will allow some good penetration with a blade set to a negative angle on the back of it would work well for a fire break.

 

[SWMOMT240HE]

Thanks for all the info and feedback! I have done some more research today, and lots of folks have broken up the ground using the scarifiers. What I then plan on doing, is overseeding with clover to create a green firebreak.

 

[sodamo]

Yep....box blade!
Mine is brand new.
Been sitting on the barn floor for the 5 years since I bought it.
Worthless for driveway maintenance (no crowning/shaping ability), but probably OK for just dragging dirt from A to B.
EA - 6 Way Deluxe Scrape Blade is THE tool for driveways!

That’s what I bought it for. Didn’t like the tendency to bring up big rocks. Top is 3/4 minus.Use the landscape rake to dress